Archive for the ‘shoulder pain’ Category

Studies revealed that 90% of people with lupus experience joint and/or muscle pain at some time during this illness.Very often, the aching pain in joints and muscles can determine the patient believe he has a viral or flu-like illness, while other patients may have symptoms similar with those produced by arthritis. There exist also another category of patients with intense muscle inflammation, and they can also experience progressive weakness and loss of strength.

It must be said that muscle and joint pains are symptoms of lupus but usually it’s not the systemic lupus erythematosus responsible for them. They are more frequently caused by other illnesses.

Usually, the joint pain caused by lupus arthritis comes, may last for days or weeks, and then disappear, returning at a later time. It is known that the joints farthest from the trunk of the body are most frequently affected. Characteristic to lupus is stiffness and pain in the morning which improves during the day and can return later in the day when the person is tired, and also the fact that the pain is usually symmetrical, similar joints on both sides of the body are affected. It is good to know that even if a person has been diagnosed with lupus, there can appear pains that have nothing to do with this disease. For example, backaches or neck pains, a single, chronically painful are not provoked by lupus.A fact that also should be remembered is that usually, lupus arthritis doesn’t cause deformities or destruction of the joints.Best clues in order to determine if the pain is caused by the systemic lupus erythematosus is the pattern of joint pain and the setting in which it occurs.There can be made X-ras of the painful joints and an examination of the synovial fluid within a swollen joint, to rule out other possible causes for the joint. It is known that if arthritis is the only symptom of lupus, diagnosis can be extremely difficult.It is good to mention that sometimes, performing the anti-nuclear antibody test and the test for rheumatoid factor can be helpful.

For treating lupus arthritis, there are usually used non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Usually, these medications have effect, but if this therapy is not effective, there can be added antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine.In rare cases, if the joints remain swollen and painful despite other treatment, there begins the treatment with corticosteroids.It is important that people learn joint protection procedures in order to rest the joints during flares of lupus arthritis, and another fact that must be known is that cytotoxic medications should not be used to treat only lupus arthritis.

It is known that the systemic lupus erythematosus can seriously damage the muscles, and as a result, there can appear muscle weakness and loss of strength. Inflamed muscles can be painful and tender to the touch, but the most common symptom that lupus myositis shows is muscle weakness. Usually, the muscles at he trunk of the body are affected , such as neck, pelvic girdle and thighs, shoulder girdle and upper arms.

There are some tests that can determine the severity of muscle involvement. These tests measure the level of some chemical enzymes in the blood. Normally, that enzymes are being concentrated within muscle fibers. They escape into the blood circulation when the muscle fibers are being damaged by inflammation.There can also be made an electromyogram to determine the character of muscle damage in lupus myositis, and also biopsy may be performed in order to confirm the presence of inflammation and to identify how severe it is.

As a treatment, corticosteroids are used initially in high doses, to keep the inflammation under control, and then, after it subsides, it is gradually reduced. Most of the patients responde well to this treatment, but there are rare cases when it is necessary to add cytotoxic or immunosuppressive medications.A well directed exercise program should be started after the inflammation passed, in order to regain normal muscle strength and function.

It may happen when the patient is prescribed high doses of corticosteroids with or without cytotoxic agents to appear bone damage and muscle weakness. These complications in rare cases appear due to the effects of the medications alone, they usually come because of a combination of factors.It was found that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus which took steroids for a long time can develop ischemic necrosis of bone. Altered blood flow to a portion of bone causes the death of that area, and as the bone repairs the area, a weakening of the bone occurs and a portion of the bone surface may collapse. Most affected are the hips, shoulders and knees.The first symptom of ischemic necrosis is pain when the joints are being moved or bearing weight, and the pain can be felt even when the person is resting, at night, when the condition progresses.Osteoporosis can also appear if a patient uses corticosteroids for a long time. Having osteoporosis means that the bone mass is decreased and a higher risk of bone fracture and compression of vertebrae in the spine appears. It is known that women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and using calcium and vitamin D in addition to regular exercise may help prevent osteoporosis.

It is important to remember that people with lupus myositis should take a regular, well-designed exercise program in order to prevent muscle weakness.

For more resources about lupus rash please review this http://www.lupus-guide.com/ or even http://www.lupus-guide.com/symptoms-of-lupus.htm

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-you-should-know-about-muscle-and-joint-pain-in-lupus-109790.html

Your back hurts. It hurts a lot. You ask, “What are the exercises to stop the back pain now?” or you plead, “Give me information on back pain exercise!”

Surprisingly, too much rest during an encounter of back pain will often make the condition worse. A day or two of rest should be followed by specific back pain exercise for complete recovery.

How Can Exercise Stop Back Pain?

Careful, thoughtful back pain exercise will help distribute nutrients up and down your spinal column, feeding your muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints. Specific back pain exercise will stretch you back, making it supple. Other back pain exercise will strengthen your back, and make it strong. Weakness and stiffness, increased by rest, can be overcome by back pain exercise.

Exercises to stop the back pain now will also prevent future back pain, since you will be increasing your back’s ability to handle extra stress or injury.

CHOOSE EXERCISE, NOT REST, TO STOP BACK PAIN NOW

Before you begin back pain exercise, check with your health care provider. Not every back pain exercise will be right for you. If your injury is severe, a spine care specialist will recommend specific exercise techniques to meet your need. Your back pain exercise program should work the entire body, even though your primary target is the back.

What Are the Exercises to Stop Back Pain Now?

Once you decide that back pain exercise is essential, you will want to choose appropriate exercises. We recommend a doctor’s advice, and suggest that you show your doctor these possibilities.

1. Back Pain Exercises – Stretching

Stretching muscles, ligaments and tendons is essential for back health. Whether or not you are currently experiencing back pain, regular stretching of the back will give strength to overcome or prevent injury and trauma to the back. If yours is chronic back pain, plan on regular, daily stretching for as much as six months to give your back the flexibility and strength it needs. You may want to schedule more than one stretching session per day, but work carefully. Eventually, you will find that back pain exercise keeps back pain from recurring.

Set goals (expectations with due dates) for each muscle group. Decide a date by which you want each of these muscle groups to be strong. Write down each date, and determine to meet it.

Warm Up First for Safe, Efficient Back Pain Exercise!!
If there is any pain, stop or take it more slowly.
Cool down after your back pain exercise.

* Gluteus muscles. The muscles in your buttocks support flexibility in your hips as well as your pelvis. Back pain exercise should include these muscles daily.

The gluteus stretch. Sit in a straight back or folding chair. Move your bottom only forward several inches from the chair back. In that position, lightly press your feet against the floor. Now squeeze your gluteus muscles together, and hold for 5 minutes. This stretch allows you to get back pain exercise while watching TV.

* Hamstrings. Located in the back of each leg, your hamstrings help give you correct posture.

The hamstring stretch. Place one foot on a chair, keeping the other leg straight. Bend over until your chest touches the knee of the foot on the chair. Keep your chest on the elevated leg as you slowly back the other leg away from the chair. Hold your stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. This stretch gives good back pain exercise without equipment.

* Piriformis. The piriformis syndrome is caused by the piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve. You feel pain in the buttocks, and referred pain from the back of your thigh to the base of the spine. Many people call this lower back pain “sciatica”.

The piriformis stretch. Lie on your back, right hip and knee flexed. Grasp your right knee with your left hand, and pull the knee towards your left shoulder. In this position, grasp just above the right ankle with the right hand, and rotate the ankle outwards. Repeat with your left side. You might want to do this back pain exercise with gentle music.

* Psoas Major. Lower back mobility can be greatly limited by a tight Psoas Major. This muscle often causes back pain that makes it difficult to kneel on both knees, or to stand for extended periods.

The Psoas Major stretch. Kneel on your right knee, left foot flat on the floor, left knee bent. Rotate the right leg outward. Place your hand on the right gluteus muscle and tighten the muscle. Lean forward through your hip, careful not to bend the lower spine. You should feel the stretch in the front of your right hip. Hold for about 30 seconds. Repeat with your left leg. If you have young children, include them in your back pain exercise.

2. Back Pain Exercises – Strengthening

Back pain can be stopped now, and greatly avoided in the future, by decreasing lower back stress. These exercises develop critical muscles in the abdomen, lower back, and gluteus. Both of these back pain exercises are learned better when working with a trained physical therapist, but if you are careful, you can learn them alone. Although you may do daily stretching back pain exercises, it is important to take a few days off each week from strengthening back pain exercises.

Lower Back strengthening. Begin by lying flat on your back on the floor. Do not push your back down on the floor. Bend both knees. Pull your navel (belly button) in toward your back while keeping your back relaxed. As you breathe out, stretch your arms upward as though you are reaching for an overhead chandelier. Gradually raise head and shoulders from the floor until your shoulder blades are barely touching the floor. Hold the position one to two seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. If you feel pain with this back pain exercise, stop or try to do it more gently and slowly.

3. Back and Leg strengthening. This is one of the McKenzie Exercises, named after a New Zealand physical therapist. Lie on your stomach, and push up off the floor with both hands, raising only your chest. Keep your pelvis flat on the floor. Raise your back to a comfortable stretch and hold for 8 to 10 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times. You should feel no pain with this back pain exercise, only a pulling up of the spine.

It is strongly suggested that any back pain exercise be done only after seeking professional medical advice.

Anna Hart
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/exercises-to-stop-back-pain-now-101965.html

Moist heat has been found very effective for frozen shoulder pain. Just take a heat pad and put a moist towel under it, and apply both to your shoulder.

Ice can help with frozen shoulder pain as well. To be the most effective, put your ice on for 10 minutes on your shoulder, and 10 minutes off. You can also alternate ice and moist heat.

Physical therapy has also helped with the pain of frozen shoulder. If you think this would help, ask your doctor to give you a referral for a good physical therapist.

Although anti-inflammatory medications haven’t helped change the course of a frozen shoulder, they can give substantial relief from the painful symptoms.

Your doctor may suggest one or more cortisone injections. These injections can really help to decrease pain, and in also let you stretch more. This is very important, because it’s usually only effective when used together with physical therapy.

If all else fails, a surgeon may perform what’s called a manipulation. A manipulation is done with the patient sedated, and the doctor moves the arm to break up adhesions caused by frozen shoulder. There are no incisions made during the procedure.

This next set of tips will give you some great stretches and exercises that you can do to help relieve and treat your frozen shoulder.

This exercise you can do while standing or sitting. Hold a 5- to 10-pound weight in your hand (a gallon of water or milk weighs 8 pounds) and keep your arm vertical and close to your body. Swing your arm back and forth or in a small diameter circle.

For this exercise, put your arm onto a shelf or a dresser about breast high. Gently bend your knees, and open your arm pit. Try to push the arm up a little farther with each stretch.

For this exercise, take a bath towel and hold it with both hands at a 45 degree angle. Use your good arm to pull the towel toward your lower back. You can repeat this with your towel in a horizontal position.

To do this exercise, face a wall about 18 inches away. Using your fingers instead of your shoulder muscles, raise your arm up to shoulder level. Repeat this 5-10 times.

Grab a rubber band for these next few exercises. For this one, hold your elbows at 90 degrees, close to your sides. Grab the rubber band with both hands, and turn your forearms outward only two or three inches, holding for five seconds. Do this 5-10 times.

For this one, arms the same way as the previous exercise. Hook your rubber band onto a door handle and hold it with one hand. Turn your forearm inward two or three inches (like a door), and hold it for five seconds. Do this 3-5 times.

Here’s another fun exercise you can do with a rubber band. Bend your elbow again, and place the rubber band on a door like before. Lift your arm up four or five inches away from the body (like lifting weights), holding for five seconds. Repeat this 3-5 times.

You can do this exercise while watching TV or sitting at a traffic light. Simply shrug your affected shoulder up and down slowly 5-10 times a day.

This is an exercise that you’ve probably done as a kid, but it can help with your frozen shoulder. Simply hold your arm out, and make circles with it. Take turns making small and large circles.

It’s a bit unconventional, but some people find that leg stretches can really help with frozen shoulder. For this exercise, lay down on your back in front of a doorway. Put one leg up the wall and one leg out flat, with you arms resting at your side. This pose is good for stretching the hamstrings of one leg and the hip flexors of the other. Hold it for 2-5 minutes.

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, try using an extra pillow. Put the pillow under your affected shoulder, and sleep on your back or side.

Massage has helped many people with frozen shoulder. The muscles surrounding your frozen shoulder can become sore and tired. Massage can help alleviate these sore muscles.

Here are some supplements that have been known to help with frozen shoulder:

Glucosamine
Fish Oil
Honey Bee Venom

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It’s a good and safe way to help with pain and relax muscles. It works by stimulating the skin nerves, thus helps the brain to ignore incoming pain signals from the joint.

Trigger point therapy is a type of specialized self massage that weeds out and removes painful muscular contractions. It works by applying pressure to the contractions, either with your fingers or massage tools.

Yoga is for straightening out your whole body, and it can really help with frozen shoulder. If you want to try yoga, start out slow and easy. If it winds up causing you more pain, yoga probably isn’t for you.

A common mistake of people with frozen shoulder is that they keep it still. This is not always the best thing to do. Gentle movement will help to keep the blood flowing to your shoulder.

If you don’t have frozen shoulder but are worried about risk factors, the best way to prevent it is by doing daily stretches. Refer to the stretches and exercise section of this ebook for ideas.

Like every health condition or ailment, new research and studies are being done every day to better help you cope with frozen shoulder. Use the internet and any other sources available to you to inform yourself of new treatments.

Allan Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/treatment-options-that-may-help-with-your-frozen-shoulder-129990.html

Has your shoulder frozen? Does it is feel like your shoulder has locked itself in place, is stiff or hard to move? If so, you are not alone. Although the causes are not totally understood, about two in every American suffers from a disorder called “Frozen Shoulder”. The common term for a disorder called adhesive capsulitis. This disease is characterized by motionless shoulders sometimes accompanied by stiffness or pain. It occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint is contracted and thickened. The good news is this condition is fairly easy to diagnose. However, since these symptoms could also signify a rotator cuff injury, you should consult your doctor. You doctor will perform an examination of the afflicted area and possibly order testing the will offer the proper diagnosis, such as X-rays or a MRI.

People with diabetes are most at risk for frozen shoulder. Although doctors can’t find a clear-cut cause for this shoulder frozen feeling, it has been noted that there are other medical problems linked to it as well. People with such conditions as cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s have been more prone to suffer from frozen shoulder. If you think you may have the early stages of this disorder, consulting a doctor for instruction on how to keep the shoulder mobile after injury may help you avoid this uncomfortable problem.
The pain associated with this order is usually more of a dull ache, and is not typically characterized by sharp, searing pains. However, people suffering from this disorder often report that when they to move their arm the pain intensifies and they can not move their shoulder normally.
Doctors have said that this disorder has three phases. The first phase the “shoulder frozen” has been dubbed “freezing”. This marks the beginning of the shoulder pain. Lasting anywhere from six weeks to nine months, this is the beginning of an uncomfortable problem.
Phase two of frozen shoulder is the “frozen’ stage. Although a patient may be reporting a bit of decline in pain levels, the stiffness persists and continues anywhere from four to nine months.
The last and final phase of shoulder frozen feeling is the “thawing” stage. This is a slow process, ranging between 5 months and a more than two years, this is where motion in the shoulder slowly starts to return to normal.
Although frozen shoulder is an uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating disorder that can linger for two or three years, the condition usually rectifies itself. Over time, your shoulder will heal naturally and you will get better. The most important issue when treating the discomfort is to remain comfortable until that time arrives. Doctors sometimes recommend anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to reduce pain, physical therapy to help restore motion, or a special sleep pillow called a rotator cuff pillow to help ease the pain and discomfort while you sleep.
If you are having type of back, neck, or shoulder pain, or are in the shoulder frozen stage it is recommended that sleep on the proper bedding. You will want to choose a mattress and a pillow that provides the correct support for proper spine alignment and that is comfortable. When shoulder pain is present always consult with your doctor since this pain could be a sign of something more serious than frozen shoulder.

Razvan Marian Jr
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/has-your-shoulder-frozen-73413.html

With Adhesive Capsulitis, the shoulder joint becomes stiff and scarred. The shoulder joint usually allows more motion than any other joint in the body. But when someone develops a frozen shoulder, they form bands of scar tissue called adhesions. These adhesions make the shoulder stiff, and moving it becomes very painful.

Here are some of the symptoms:

- A dull, aching pain
- Limited movement
- Activities such as brushing hair, putting on shirts/bras become difficult
- Sleeping on the affected shoulder is painful

When diagnosing Adhesive Capsulitis, your doctor will look for restricted movement. There are other conditions that can cause difficulty with movement, like a torn rotator cuff, so it’s very important to find a doctor familiar with this condition for a proper diagnosis.

95 percent of people with frozen shoulder are completely cured. Full recovery may take several months, and there are several things that you can do to help.

People who have had a shoulder injury or surgery are at risk of developing a frozen shoulder joint. When injury or surgery is followed by prolonged immobility, it can also put them at risk of developing Adhesive Capsulitis.

People with diabetes are at risk for developing a frozen shoulder. In fact, it affects 10-20 percent of diabetes patients.

People between the ages of 40 to 60 years old have a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder. It is also twice as common for women to develop it as it is for men.

If you have problems with nearby joints, you could be at risk also. For example, arthritis in the AC joint or the neck can put you at risk.

As mentioned earlier, keeping a sore shoulder immobile can put you at high risk for Adhesive Capsulitis. Some conditions that could cause this include stroke, immobilizing in a sling, or a brain or spinal injury.

Sometimes heart disease or cardiac surgery leads to frozen shoulder. Be sure and talk to your doctor about these important risk factors.

Other risk factors include:

- Thyroid problems
- High cholesterol
- Parkinsons disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism

There are cases of frozen shoulder that have no reasons whatsoever. In fact, more commonly, this is the case. Until researchers figure out what triggers Adhesive Capsulitis, it can be hard to find out why it happens.

The good news is that through modern medicine and therapy you can find help for this condition and in time get back to leading a normal life free of pain and discomfort.

Allan Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/frozen-shoulder-affects-3-percent-of-the-population-130599.html

Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are common, and are caused by problems with the shoulder joint and its surrounding structures. Your shoulder is more prone to injuries than other joints because of its wide range of movement.

About 13.7 million people went to the doctor’s office in 2003 for a shoulder problem, including 3.7 million visits for shoulder and upper arm sprains and strains. (Source: National Center for Health Statistics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2003 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.)

One of the best ways to avoid injury is to keep physically fit, with a balanced program of aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening exercises for your whole body. There is a range of exercise programs available from local fitness centers, to online services and even downloads for your MP3 or iPod players.

There are several reasons that cause pain and limit movement of your shoulder joint, including:

1. Rotator cuff disorders

Inflammation can be caused by general wear and tear that occurs with age, activities that require constant or repetitive shoulder motion (especially above shoulder level), heavy lifting, trauma, or poor posture. Serious injuries and untreated inflammation of the tendons can cause the rotator cuff to tear.

The pain associated with rotator cuff problems is normally felt at the front or on the outside of your shoulder, particularly when you raise your arm or lift something above your head. You may also notice the pain more when lying in bed. Severe injuries can cause weakness of the shoulder muscles, restricted shoulder movement and continuous pain.

2. Rotator cuff tears

It is usually the rotator cuff tendons (the thick bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones) that tear, but sometimes the tear occurs in the muscle. Severe injuries can cause several of the tendons and muscles to tear. There are special movement tests that your doctor can use to help determine which of the muscles or tendons has been torn.

3. Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, is characterized by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder. The pain is felt deep in the shoulder joint and may become worse at night due to inactivity.

The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it sometimes develops following other shoulder injuries. Resting a painful, injured shoulder for too long can cause the shoulder muscles and connective structures to stiffen up, so when a shoulder injury occurs make an effort to keep it loose without putting to much strain on it.

Frozen shoulder can develop spontaneously, particularly if you have thyroid problems or diabetes seem to be at increased risk. Most people with frozen shoulder tend to improve within 2 years, with or without treatment. In the interim, however it can be quite painful.

4. Dislocated shoulder and shoulder instability

A dislocated shoulder is visibly deformed or out of place, and there may be swelling or bruising around the joint. Your shoulder movement will be severely restricted. Your Doctor can usually put the shoulder bone back into place using gentle maneuvers.

If you suffer a dislocation, keep in mind that the shoulder joint sometimes becomes unstable and susceptible to repeated dislocations. This causes pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Your shoulder may feel as if it is slipping out of place when you lift your arm over your head.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis causes progressive joint pain, tenderness, swelling and stiffness. Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis will affect the shoulder joint.

Sometimes shoulder pain can be due to problems in your neck or a mixture of several different problems. A visit to your doctor is almost always necessary when it comes to a shoulder problem because in rare instances, shoulder pain may be caused by infection, problems with the nerves, or a tumor located somewhere else in your body.

As with any medical issue, a shoulder problem is generally diagnosed using a three-part process:

• Medical History – You tell your doctor about any injury or other condition that might be causing the pain.

• Physical Examination – Your doctor examines you by feeling for injury and to discover the limits of movement, location of pain, and extent of joint instability.

• Tests – Your doctor may order one or more of the tests for you listed below to make a specific diagnosis.

What tests are needed to determine the cause of your shoulder pain?

Your doctor will determine the cause of your pain based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Where the pain is felt, both at rest and when moving the shoulder, is a clue to the cause of the shoulder pain. Your doctor will also test your shoulder strength and the range of movement in your shoulder joint.

You may need an X-ray, or other scans, such as an ultrasound scan or MRI. Sometimes, an arthroscopy is needed. In this test, your doctor can look inside the shoulder joint using a small telescopic instrument that has a camera on the end. This is not as painful as it sounds.

How your shoulder pain will be treated

In addition to relieving pain, treatment is aimed at restoring mobility in your shoulder joint. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of your shoulder problem and the level of pain.

Pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used as an initial treatment for shoulder pain. Ibuprofen is the best and Aspirin should be avoided.

Another simple way of easing shoulder pain is by applying a cold pack to your shoulder for 10 minutes at a time three or four times a day. Cold packs will reduce inflammation, and are most helpful when applied for the first few days following a shoulder injury. After that, you can switch to using a heat pack; intermittent applications of heat can help relax the shoulder muscles.

A heat pad used at night when sleeping will keep the shoulder from stiffing up.

You should rest your shoulder for a couple of days after an injury, and if you have dislocated your shoulder, you may need to rest your arm in a sling or splint for several weeks after the joint has been manipulated back into place.

However, with most shoulder problems it isn’t a good idea to rest for too long. While you should avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects, you should still move your shoulder to help make sure that you regain full use of the joint. By returning to your normal activities as soon as possible (within the limits of disability and pain), you can help prevent the shoulder joint from stiffening up.

Physiotherapy can help treat you shoulder pain.

Physiotherapy can help improve your shoulder strength and flexibility as well as relieve the pain associated with most shoulder problems. Physiotherapists use a variety of different therapies, including massage, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy and electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) — a therapy that uses mild electrical currents to treat pain.

Taping the shoulder joint can also help stabilize it and reduce pain during activities. Your doctor will refer you to a good Physiotherapist is he feels the extent of your injury warrants Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapists can also teach you special rehabilitation exercises to stretch and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder. Exercises that improve your shoulder’s range of movement help reduce the pain and stiffness that occurs after a period of immobility. Range of motion exercises may be followed by resistance exercises and weight training to strengthen the muscles.

Steroid injections can be effective but proceed with caution.

Depending on the cause of your shoulder problem, corticosteroid injections may be given to relieve the pain in the short term. The corticosteroid, which is often mixed with a local anesthetic, reduces inflammation and allows you to move the shoulder more comfortably. Make sure you understand what is involved in this kind of treatment to include the long term effect on your body. The jury is still out on the impact of this type of treatment.

Surgery may be necessary to treat your shoulder problem.

Because most people improve with the above treatments, only about 10 per cent of people with shoulder problems will need to be treated with surgery. People with shoulder instability or rotator cuff problems that are not responding to less invasive treatments may benefit from an operation, and shoulder joint replacement may be considered for people with degenerative arthritis.

There are also some conditions that need to be treated initially with an operation, including some rotator cuff tears and dislocated shoulders that cannot be reduced (put back in) with simple manual maneuvers. Sometimes frozen shoulder is treated with what’s known as manipulation under anesthesia. In this therapy, your shoulder is gently moved while you are under a general anesthetic to help improve its range of motion and of course avoid the treatment pain.

So make sure you do not self-diagnosis your shoulder problem, see your doctor. Keep in mind that it isn’t a good idea to rest it for too long or it will stiffen up. Use Cold and Heat intermittingly to speed up the healing process. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects, but remember to move your shoulder to help make sure that you regain full use of the joint by returning to your normal activities as soon as possible and you will regain full use of your shoulder in a reasonable period of time.

But, if you are still experiencing pain, listen to it, it is a signal trying to tell you something is still wrong with your shoulder.

Ray Attebery
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/pain-shoulder-pain-causes-tests-and-treatments-132505.html